Kogs - I wouldn't mind a November start, I agree, that might actually help the ratings, just as long as it isn't a Feb start.

i dont like spring tv, if you look at the ratings for all tv shows there down from last year. the ny post had something about it on friday. im using my own spec but also why im thinking november besides there 2 pilots i think that can crash very easly, the one thats rumored to be going on sunday's in tars place and this one on tuesday especally if the unit is cancelled or gets a limited run.

cbs has a show pop dynasty for an 8 episode run, seems like a filler for a reality show cause its another reality show lol. alot will go on between now and september but remeber the threat of the strike is still there.

kogs probably knows more but it is a threatened writers strike --so shows that don't rely on writers --like TAR--could suddenly be very very valuable to the lineup.

wonder why so many pilots are going to production right now, because of the threat of the writiers strike, it gives them programming for a bit before they have togoto reality shows. theres alot going on than made in the media. cbs has something like 5 gameshows/reality shows taping pilots right now, with one hosted by tucker carlson of msnbc fwiw, ill try and find the link again.

EDIT: here it is from april24

Quote

Producers Prepare for Possible StrikeCould More Games Be on the Way? Posted 4/24/07

From Calendar Live: Anticipating a possible walkout, networks and studio executives are starting to take steps to keep production pipelines flowing. The contingency plans include pushing up shooting schedules, ordering more reality TV programs and renegotiating with writers to turn in their film scripts earlier than usual.

"They're protecting their long-range business interests," said chief studio negotiator J. Nicholas Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

The early preparations come three months before what are expected to be highly contentious contract talks between producers and writers, with the central issue being how writers are paid when their work is shown over the Internet.

Guild leaders have alleged that studios are trying to scare writers by suggesting they are stockpiling scripts and shows. There has been little evidence of a large-scale stockpiling like there was in 2001, when fear of strikes by actors and writers caused a major acceleration of production.

"We've never seen stockpiling to be a significant negotiating strategy," said Chuck Slocum, assistant executive director of the Writers Guild of America, West. "We don't see any reason a deal cannot be reached and we look forward to negotiating to that end."

Rival networks and studio executives have been keeping their contingency plans under wraps not only from writers but also one another.

Although none would publicly discuss their plans, several Hollywood executives privately acknowledged that they were preparing for what could be the first writers' strike since 1988.

Their plans include having some shows come back early to shoot additional episodes that could air during a strike and pushing up production schedules of midseason shows to as early as July instead of their usual September start.

Networks typically decide which shows they're going to pick up just before the key advertising sales period in May and June. But this year has seen an unusually large number of early pickups, evidence not only of changes in the television industry but also strike preparations, analysts say.

"There are clear signs that networks are preparing their fall schedules as early as possible as a hedge against a possible strike," said Carolyn Finger, vice president of TVtracker.com, an Internet-based research and consulting service.

Network business affairs executives are combing their libraries to identify which shows they have the rights to rebroadcast and to compile alternative schedules jammed with movies, news programs, reality fare and game shows.

Hit shows such as Fox's "American Idol" are not only hugely popular, but they are also cheaper to produce than scripted programs. And most reality shows aren't covered under the Writers Guild contracts despite efforts by the union to organize the booming sector.

This season saw 56 unscripted series across all the broadcast networks, up from 51 last year, according to TVtracker.com. CBS has five game show pilots in production, including shows hosted by comedian Drew Carey and MSNBC talk show host Tucker Carlson.

"The ramped-up reality slate is part of our regular program development for summer, fall and midseason programming, but these projects could be utilized if a strike does occur," CBS spokesman Chris Ender said

There are a few shows I'd miss--but hmmm....a nice long strike--could that mean TWO TAR's??

Night guys--I'm going to put my TARcon germs to bed now!

well heres the thing, the wga contract expires oct 31. negotiations begin in july, the wga aint going to budge over there demands. should be a fun summer . reality shows maybe delayed because of this especally if they run out of fresh shows. thats one of the reasons we are most likely looking at a late run for tar.

Better than 9, a wee bit worse than 10. What is key is although it pulls is the least amount of viewers to CBS on Sundays, the 18-49 demo spikes up once 60 minutes is over and Cold Case either maintains it or inches it up a bit more.

very cute, also i think we shouldnt panic if tar is held off because that means its likely to come faster than an announced season say febuary, one of cbs pilots will flop, they always do. now for the rumors hell anything can happen, so if its celebs i just hope its good tv, thats all i ask. if its new people the talk of celebs and keeping newbies out of the limelight is a great idea!!!

CBS Fall PreviewCBS’s new Fall Schedule is to be announced Wednesday, May 16th at 2:00 EST. CBS faces the same problem each year as they try to engage younger viewers to their shows, while in reality, continuing their same streak of repetitive programming. Case in point: how many CBS shows are you actually watching?

What do we not need to worry about?Survivor (can you believe this is the only show CBS has officially renewed for next season?)

What shows are looking good for renewal, but no official announcement has been made?Rules of Engagement (it had a good run as a midseason replacement), CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY (although it’s the most vulnerable), Criminal Minds, NCIS, The Unit, Without a Trace, Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer, Numb3rs, Two and a Half Men, 60 Minutes

What shows are riding that bubble?Shark (with rumors buzzing of a move to Friday), The New Adventures of Old Christine (with a possible less than full-season), How I Met Your Mother (rumored to be picked up for a full season), Close to Home, The Amazing Race

What should we prepare to say an “official” goodbye to?The Class, Jericho

What new shows are likely to be picked for next season?The Hollywood Reported announced today that CBS has picked up four drama pilots "Cane” (with Jimmy Smits), "Moonlight," "Viva Laughlin" and "Swingtown," and one comedy pilot "The Big Bang Theory" (as well as an alternative pilot "Power of 10", a game show from "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" maven Michael Davies). The dramas "Babylon Fields" and "The Man" (with LL Cool J) are also said to be in contention at CBS as well, however face a lesser chance now.

CBS was also expected to consider at least two more half-hours: "The Captain" (which features Jeffrey Tambor and Raquel Welch in itssupporting cast) and "I'm in Hell." A lot of trade reports were indicating good buzz for "Fugly".

Yeah, Frankly I have mentioned in the non spoiler thread, that TAR may not be a Fall starter, but that its Demo numbers (the 2cd best of CBS Sunday Night), should have the show on its schedule.

Now there has been talk (over the ast two years) about downgrading the series to one cycle a year (ideally switched out with Survivor) as a means to ensure that he show doesn't burn out.

And without a writers strike possability I wouldn't be surprised at all if that happened this year.

But the last major strike I remember was in 1989, that severly hampered the season. And all the networks did over time in getting some extra forms of non scripted shows out there (at that time it meant a lot of news shows and game shows). There was also another one in a more recent time (that didn't hit the industry as hard, but they still made sure to greenlight more non scripted hours (and this time it did heavily include reality programming.

So I would expect them to greenlight the series, and give it a tentative spot (and I could easily see it being November-February). But that tentative spot could easily be switched up if a strike does happen or if shows tank.

If that occurs then I would expect a rushed 2cd cycle in this same season.